KOŠARAC: OPEN NEW MARKETS AND DEVELOP FREE TRADE

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 28 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska emphasizes from the Regional Trade Summit in Banja Luka, the importance of opening new markets and establishing new regional free trade agreements, said Staša Košarac, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations in the Council of Ministers of BiH.

Košarac noted that Serbia has already made similar agreements with China, adding that there is no reason why Republika Srpska should not do the same. "Analyses by several prestigious institutions indicate that Srpska is among the top 10 destinations worth investing in. This is the result of the aforementioned policies of continuity," Košarac explained. He has added that Republika Srpska has adequate capacities and hardworking people in its economy and business community who can adapt their business operations to new markets and establish themselves there. "We face a series of challenges, but I believe this summit will produce concrete conclusions about the directions we should take in trade and other areas, certainly not in a one-sided manner," Košarac told the press in Banja Luka. He stated that the successful organisation of such large and important events demonstrates the correctness of the policy of continuity in Srpska, headed by President Milorad Dodik. According to him, through Dodik’s leadership, a clear political framework has been established, so Banja Luka and Srpska have become centres of interregional dialogue on many important issues. Košarac expressed regret that representatives of the Federation of BiH’s Ministry of Trade did not attend the summit, noting that such self-isolation is not beneficial for that entity. The Regional Trade Summit, the first international trade event organised in Republika Srpska, is being held today in Banja Luka and was opened by Prime Minister Savo Minić. Organisers stated that the Summit is the first event bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the Balkans with the goal of shaping the future of trade and regional cooperation.